If you are looking to add a delightful floral twist to a classic favorite, this Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the warm, comforting flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies with the fragrant, subtle hint of culinary lavender, these cookies offer a uniquely delicious experience that’s perfect for afternoon tea, special gatherings, or simply treating yourself. The balance of aromatic lavender and melty chocolate chips creates a cookie that’s both familiar and wonderfully new – a true crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite that I’m excited to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each one plays an essential role. From the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender texture to the fragrant lavender that offers that signature floral note, every component makes these cookies irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and softness to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Gives sweetness and helps with the crisp edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (¾ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the cookie’s tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Dried culinary lavender, finely chopped (1 ½ tablespoons): Infuses the cookies with a gentle floral aroma and taste.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Provide pockets of melty, rich chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep your oven and baking sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for consistent texture and flavor.
Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy. This process incorporates air, helping the cookies become fluffy and tender as they bake.
Step 4: Add eggs, vanilla, and lavender
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by the finely chopped dried culinary lavender. This lavender will give your cookies their signature floral note, so be sure to use culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor and safety.
Step 5: Mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Finally, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly for gooey, chocolatey bites throughout.
Step 6: Scoop and bake
Using a rounded tablespoon, scoop the dough and place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a few edible lavender buds on top of each cookie just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance their presentation and add a wee bit of extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a simple cup of hot tea—lavender, chamomile, or earl grey all complement the cookie’s delicate floral notes. A glass of cold milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a comforting combo, turning your treat into a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, stack your lavender chocolate chip cookies on a pretty plate or tiered stand with fresh lavender sprigs interspersed for a charming display. You can also sandwich a little lavender-infused buttercream or whipped cream between two cookies for an irresistible cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh so you can enjoy their wonderful texture over several days.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, scoop the cookie dough into balls and freeze on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Cookies can be baked straight from frozen, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, melty chocolate goodness and fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried in the Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Fresh lavender can be used, but it is much more potent and can introduce extra moisture, which might affect the cookie texture. If you do use fresh lavender, use it sparingly and finely chop it before adding.
Is culinary lavender the same as garden lavender?
No, culinary lavender is specifically grown and prepared for cooking and is safe for consumption. Garden lavender may be treated with pesticides and can have a more bitter taste, so always use culinary-grade for baking.
Can I substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will add a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will make the cookies sweeter and creamier. Choose based on your personal preference.
How strong will the lavender flavor be in these cookies?
The lavender provides a gentle, fragrant note that enhances but does not overpower the chocolate chips. If you prefer a stronger lavender taste, try infusing the butter with lavender beforehand or slightly increase the amount of dried lavender.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
To make a vegan version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the balance of floral lavender and rich chocolate in this Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. I hope you enjoy baking these as much as I do, and that they bring a little fragrant joy and sweetness to your kitchen and gatherings.
Print
Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these aromatic Lavender Chocolate Chip Cookies, a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie infused with culinary-grade dried lavender. Soft, chewy, and bursting with floral notes balanced by rich semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies offer a perfect dessert treat with a sophisticated flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Flavoring & Mix-ins
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried culinary lavender, finely chopped
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined to ensure uniform rising and flavor distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract along with the finely chopped culinary lavender to infuse the batter with its floral aroma.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the cookie dough.
- Scoop and Arrange Dough: Using rounded tablespoons, scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly soft to ensure a chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade lavender to ensure safety and an optimal floral flavor in the cookies.
- For a stronger lavender flavor, infuse the butter by gently melting it with the dried lavender, then straining out the lavender before chilling the butter until solid.
- Do not overbake; lightly golden edges ensure a perfect chewy cookie.
